2-Hour Dishcloths (Annie's Attic: Crochet)

I had not crocheted in many years when I chose this as a project book while I worked my way through a very good, thick instruction manual on crochet. (When I learn something, whether for the first time or as a refresher, I like a thorough, systematic approach.) Even if you are a relatively new crocheter, you can probably do every dishcloth in this book, and there is some nice variety, with every project marked "easy." I have not found any mistakes so far, but I have not finished every one of them yet. The variety of patterns is more than you would expect, and the edging patterns can be applied to any project you have. I especially like the dishcloth on the front cover at the top, in a sort of watermelon color, as the texture is nice and bumpy without being too delicate or lacy inside.These are great projects for developing your rhythm, before you attempt a project where gauge is important. As you become more proficient in a stitch, your gauge will naturally change. And these are very satisfying to produce. By the way, because gauge does not really matter for these, you can use any worsted-weight cotton you like. While I would love to try the Sugar and Spice yarn another reviewer mentioned, I have never seen it. I don't use high-end yarn for dishcloths, but neither do I deliberately use junk yarn, any more than I would use cheap thread or fabric for making clothes. These are good projects to test a new type/brand of cotton yarn, to see how exposure to water and abrasion affects it, before you buy enough for an afghan or other significant project.I am not sure why, but when a small square like this is knitted, it is often referred to as a washcloth, while the crocheted version is called a dishcloth, possibly because crochet cannot produce as smooth a face as knitting. In my opinion, it is in the eye of the beholder, and if you make a deliberately-bumpy cloth in spa-suitable colors, you have every right to call it a handcrafted washcloth. Add a bar of nice soap and perhaps some fragrant bath salts, and you have a great gift for someone that they cannot simply walk into a store and buy. (Even used as a dishcloth, I have never found any for sale made as well, as they normally just take a cheap piece of terrycloth and serge around all sides.)

Annies Attic patterns are so not difficult to follow. Love there patterns. this book gave me so many ideas. Easy to follow.

Cute Dishcloths. I've already made the 1st one in the book. It did take me more like 3 hours and I would say I'm an intermediate crocheter. Overall, I'm very pleased to have some new projects. I know that you can find many things on-line for free but sometimes it is nice to have a book to refer to.

Easy to read, Easy to use

I love the different types of dishcloths to make. Already have crocheted several.

This book is very good, suitable for taking on a trip and making different style dishcloths out of cotton yarn. I recommend Sugar and Spice cotton yarn--it costs more but has quality. Walmart and Herschnerrs yarns are not as good.

I love this book!! I have already made several of these dishcloths for Christmas gifts. She has great variety here and interesting patterns. They are easy patterns by the way

Easy dishcloths that make up quickly. Love designs.

Easy patterns and ordered one for my friend that does a lot of crocheting.

Some great dishcloth patterns to follow. Even I can follow these.

future beauty in the making